Car Stolen? What to Do in the First Hour (UK)
Few things are as gut-wrenching as walking out to where you left your car and finding it gone. It's easy to panic. Work through these steps in order. The first hour matters, so act quickly.
1. Make sure it's really been stolen
Check it hasn't been towed or moved. Look for parking signs or a notice nearby, and if you're on private land or in a car park, ask the owner or the attendant. If someone else in the household uses the car, give them a quick call.
2. Call the police
If the theft is happening right now, or you see the thieves, call 999. Otherwise report it on 101 or through your local police force's website. Have your registration, make, model, colour and any distinctive marks ready. You'll be given a crime reference number. Write it down, because your insurer will need it.
3. Check your tracker or app
If your car has a GPS tracker, check its location straight away and give it to the police. Don't go after the car yourself. Let the police recover it.
4. Tell your insurer
Call your insurer as soon as you have the crime reference number. Tell them where and when the car was taken, how many keys you have, and whether any are missing. Have your policy number to hand.
5. Tell anyone else who needs to know
- Your finance or lease company, if the car is on finance.
- Your bank, if any cards, documents or a garage remote were inside the car.
- Your neighbours. Doorbell and driveway cameras nearby may have caught it, so ask them to save the footage.
6. Gather what you'll need
Find your spare keys, the V5C logbook details, recent photos of the car and anything showing its condition and extras. It all helps the police and your insurer.
Stopping it happening again
Many modern cars are taken without the key ever being touched, by relay attacks or by programming a new key. The best defence is a car that won't start for anyone but you. An immobiliser stops the theft before it happens; a tracker helps find the car afterwards. Together they're the strongest setup.
How IMMOSTOP helps
IMMOSTOP adds two independent immobilisation points that only your phone or keyring tag can release, and it arms itself the moment you walk away. Add the optional GPS tracker (available separately) for live location and instant alerts if the car is moved or its power is cut. It's all professionally fitted by Autosecureshop.
Make sure it can't happen again. See IMMOSTOP, £349 all-in, fitted →